Lot Ended
Description
From a private collection;
older restoration with super patina; original RHD UK market car; nice
transferable number
Launched in 1936, the Fiat 500 (better known as
the Topolino or 'Little Mouse') was a masterpiece of packaging that offered
generous interior space within a tiny and immensely charming
bodyshell.
Largely the work of the
legendary Dante Giacosa, it was powered by a 569cc four-cylinder, side-valve,
water-cooled engine mounted ahead of the front axle, with the radiator located
behind the engine where it doubled as the interior heater. Although it developed
a modest 13bhp, it could still reach 55mph and cover 50 miles on a single gallon
of petrol.
Transmission was via a
four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox, with independent front suspension, 12-volt
electrics and Lockheed hydraulic brakes. Conceived much as the Austin Seven had
been as a 'full sized car in miniature, it's no wonder that the little mouse was
a huge success, even becoming the best-selling imported car into the US in 1938
and '39!
By 1948 it had gained overhead
valves and in 1950 was given a major make-over as the 500C, gaining a stiffer
chassis and more robust suspension to cope with the increased 60mph
performance.
A full width front grille and
a larger boot area modernised the looks, whilst a conventional heater as
standard equipment attracted new buyers too. When compared to the British
competition, the performance of the 500C with its 61mph top speed was not that
far behind despite its diminutive engine. But on the road it would run rings
around them thanks to its sophisticated suspension and fabulous brakes,
illustrating just how brilliant the original design had
been.
Indeed it was so good that
even Mike Hawthorn was impressed: "When I was still an
apprentice my parents concluded that daily use of a motorbike on the road would
have to stop if I was to stay in this world, so I was given a Fiat 500. This was
a grand little car which held the road like a baby sports car and with it I
first learned how to take corners fast on four wheels”.
A few years
later he had to get from the Mille Miglia to Silverstone as fast as
possible and borrowed a Topolino from fellow racing driver, Tom Cole. “The
Topolino was only just run in but we didn't have time to waste, so it went from
Modena to Paris just about as fast as it was able and I only remember being
passed once on the way".
This super Topolino was
first registered in March 1955 as an original RHD car supplied to the UK
market. Coming to the sale after spending the last seven years in our vendor's
private collection, this Topolino is absolutely charming.The odometer reads just
42,785 miles meaning our vendor has covered just 13 miles in his seven-year
ownership. Needless to say it would be wise to assume some precautionary
checks may be in order before hitting the road.
In the history file
we have the logbook, Fiat 500C instruction book, a smattering of invoices and
some older photographs.
Looking superb with just a few
minor paintwork blemishes here and there, this cute little car has been
running and driving nicely on site and could be got into show-stopping condition
with relatively little effort.
The icing on the cake is the original
Brighton-issue number plate, PCD 540, which is transferable (according to the
V5C) and doubtless has a value of its own - especially to anyone who owns
a BMW 540i...
Contact -
[email protected]